Igor Jesus matches feat achieved by Marcus Rashford and Gabriel Martinelli, Nottingham Forest will be delighted
Igor Jesus excelled on Nottingham Forest’s return to European football, notching two goals against Real Betis.
On Wednesday, 24 September, Forest drew 2-2 with Real Betis in the opening game of their Europa League campaign.
Ange Postecoglou’s men made a good account of themselves in Seville, and host Danish outfit Midtjylland in their next European game on Thursday, 2 October.
Meanwhile, after Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 with Burnley in their last Premier League outing, they will be determined to beat Sunderland on Saturday, 27 September.
Igor Jesus scores a brace on both of his first two Nottingham Forest starts
Jesus scored a brace as Nottingham Forest drew 2-2 with Real Betis, a feat the summer signing also achieved in his side’s 3-2 defeat to Swansea City in the Carabao Cup.
By netting twice in both of his first two starts for Postecoglou’s side, the 24-year-old has become just the fifth player to notch a brace in both of his first two starts for a Premier League side.
That feat has only previously been achieved by former Sheffield Wednesday star Guy Whittingham, Dion Dublin, Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford, and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli.
Igor Jesus emergence is a serious worry for Chris Wood
By scoring twice against Real Betis, Jesus also became the first Nottingham Forest star to notch a brace on his major European competition debut for the East Midlands club.
| Igor Jesus stats | All competitions 2025/26 |
| Appearances | 6 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 0 |
Meanwhile, the striker’s goalscoring exploits in both the Carabao Cup and the Europa League prove that a Premier League start is just around the corner.
That is a major concern for Chris Wood, who has been a talismanic figure for the City Ground outfit, notching 20 top-flight goals last season.
Furthermore, Forest also signed Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga, who scored 18 goals for his former club Rennes last season, in the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Postecoglou’s side have not earned a victory since their 3-1 triumph over Brentford on the opening day of the Premier League campaign.
But Jesus’ newfound form can inspire his side to a much-needed win over Sunderland on 27 September, should Postecoglou choose to drop Wood, who could soon become surplus to requirements.